MMA

Several MMA fighters have spoken out against the Russian mobilization. Even Khabib Nurmagomedov disagrees

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is not going as planned and Vladimir Putin has therefore declared a mobilisation. The Russian army was to be reinforced by an additional 300,000 people. However, many people are shirking their duty. The Russians are leaving the country and several MMA fighters have spoken out against the mobilisation.

Published

2 years ago

26. 9. 2022

Pavel Langr

khabib nurmagomedov — Zdroj: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ukraine has been targeted by the Russian army since February. The invasion of Ukrainian territory by Vladimir Putin’s troops is affecting not only Europe, but pretty much the whole world. Even the sporting world. Russians are often punished for their country’s actions.

In MMA, however, the situation has not been addressed much. The Octagon did cancel one fight because of the war, but the UFC? No. Russian fighters can fight at will.

After all, Russia is a large and important market. Thus, the various ties of some fighters to terrorist organizations or dictators have long been overlooked.

The Russians have often not even commented much on the attack on Ukraine. After all, they had no reason to. However, when Vladimir Putin declared mobilisation due to the unfavourable development of the war, no stone was left unturned.

Over 260,000 people fled Russia to other countries. And this will certainly not be the final number. Moreover, various militants have now spoken out against the mobilisation. Even Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has met Putin several times, disagrees.

It is worth noting that in Dagestan, where Khabib comes from, there are massive protests against the mobilisation. And his words? “But we are not ready for this,” he let himself be heard on social media.

View post on Instagram

A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov)

A slightly longer message was left by Muhammad Mokaev, a 22-year-old prospect who is in the UFC and hasn’t lost once. It’s worth noting that Mokaev was born in Dagestan but previously fled to Manchester, England.

“The situation in Dagestan is very bad. You oppress your own people. It’s clear that the police have been ordered to ban gatherings, but they can get away with beating, dragging women and shooting in the air. If you are taken away, your wives will stand up for you,” the talented fighter made himself heard.

Mokaev also noted that in Dagestan, salaries are extremely low and yet men are being conscripted into the army, something he has no sympathy for.